Digging in, preparing for future road work

Initial signs of preparing for a revamped West Ridgecrest Boulevard began this week as the first utility company began relocation of some of its assets.

By Jack BarnwellCITY EDITORjbarnwell@ridgecrestca.com

Initial signs of preparing for a revamped West Ridgecrest Boulevard began this week as the first utility company began relocation of some of its assets.“Verizon is the first utility to perform their relocation work for the Ridgecrest Blvd. reconstruction widening project,” City Clerk Rachel Ford said Tuesday by email.Verizon contracted with Westech for work between Mahan Street and Alvord Street, Ford said.“The Verizon facilities are being lowered to allow the excavation, construction and treatment of subgrade and base materials for the foundation of the roadway structural section,” Ford said.Relocation or lowering of the utilities under West Ridgecrest Boulevard are required before reconstruction and repaving commence.The project, a widening of one of the city's major routes to four lanes, has remained in limbo for years while the city sought funding from the Kern Council of Governments, Kern County's transportation solutions agency. The plan is to widen the road from China Lake Boulevard to Mahan Street.With $6.2 million now allocated for the construction, utilities need to be relocated by various companies in the region.But while Verizon and other companies are beginning the work, actual construction on Ridgecrest Boulevard will not begin until next year, according to City Manager Dennis Speer.“My expectation based on the calendar is that it will begin in March,” Speer said Tuesday. Speer said that the project still needs to be put out to bid and expects it to stay open for 45 days. Once the city reviews all relevant bids, selects the lowest contract and receives the money, it may be February before things are finalized — just in time for paving season.“Generally speaking, that is the best time to pave, especially with the hot mix,” Speer said.Relocation of Verizon's utility lines is expected to take three weeks, according to Ford, the city clerk.“They are currently one week into the project with an estimated two more weeks till completion,” Ford said in her email. “Weather, unforeseen conditions and utility conflicts however, can and often times do drive a project schedule.”